Centramatics

[04blackcherry]

Anyone have fitment issues with their Centramatics? I purchased a set of the 300-308's for my '04. The "B" set look like they should be for the front with the concave portion towards the rotor. That won't work because it's diameter is not large enough for the diameter of the rotor face. Turn them around and they hit the caliper bracket. I'm stumped. The "A" set would not clear the caliper or the wheel in front. I didn't even try to make them work on the back after damaging 1 balancer trying to make it work. Are the brakes on an HD bigger than any other models?

 

[Slow Six]

Fit perfect on my 03 dually. They are worth getting them to work as I feel they meet Centrmatic's claims.

 

[SWithrow]

I have my second set and they work great. Did you get the spacers (2each)? I placed the spacers on the front hubs then installed the balancers.

Do you have stock rims?

 

[rbattelle]

I have the "A" on the front, with the balance ring facing OUT. When the wheel is tightened it will bend back the balancer slightly - maybe 1/16" or so.



Most of us had to grind the casting seam off the front caliper brackets in order to keep from scraping the balancers as they rotate.



The "B" are on the back, with the balance ring facing IN.



Does that help? Here's a post that shows where I had to grind.



#ad




-Ryan

 

[mwilson]

Anyone have fitment issues with their Centramatics? I purchased a set of the 300-308's for my '04. The "B" set look like they should be for the front with the concave portion towards the rotor. That won't work because it's diameter is not large enough for the diameter of the rotor face. Turn them around and they hit the caliper bracket. I'm stumped. The "A" set would not clear the caliper or the wheel in front. I didn't even try to make them work on the back after damaging 1 balancer trying to make it work. Are the brakes on an HD bigger than any other models?

No matter what you wind up doing please call Centramatic and make sure that they are aware of this issue. They are one of the best, most tuned in vendors that we deal with and they WILL want to know about this.



1-800-523-8473.



Mike.

 

[Hercules130]

Side question, when u guys run these, do you forego the wheel/tire balancing altogether?

 

[Slow Six]

No, I still get tires balanced when put on new.

 

[04blackcherry]

Great info. Thanks. Yes, I have stock steel wheels. I did send Centramatics an email and I hope was constructive in expressing my concerns. I have read a lot of stuff about grinding the caliper bracket. I am totally capable doing that but some of us aren't and it really should not be a solution to be able to use their product. One concern is there is no specific Ram application on their product list. In the end I would rather grind the bracket then add another spacer. My wheels may be lugcentric but I would prefer the wheel center to center on the bearing hub also.

Update: I looked at the box they came in a little closer. They are 300-318's. Will contact the reseller and have already sent Centramatic a note to that effect also. I usually don't make mistakes like this. I guess the exitement over a new toy got me again.

 

[04blackcherry]

Jerry called me from Centramatic to address my concerns, which after talking to him I have no more concerns. He is going to take care of making this right. We spoke about the difficulties I was having. He has heard this from others recently and actually had this issue in his shop on a similar truck. The part number that was sent is correct. There has been some changes in manufacturing that could be contributing to them not fitting the way they should. All's good now. Looks like I will be well cared for.

 

[HHhuntitall]

No matter what you wind up doing please call Centramatic and make sure that they are aware of this issue. They are one of the best, most tuned in vendors that we deal with and they WILL want to know about this.



1-800-523-8473.



Mike.

What he said... ... I've run several sets, one set on my '95 2500, another on my '97 3500, a front set on my '90 KW, and one on the front of my '85 Pete. The first set I got was for my '90 KW, as I was having fits with the tires wearing uneven from rough roads loosening the weights, to dust collecting inside the wheel. I had just installed a brand new set of steer tires, had the front bushings replaced in the front axle, and had them check all the tie-rod ends, but the new tires STILL started to whip out. The shop that balanced them said the dust, rocks, and mud was causing it in the inside of the wheel... ... After installing the balancers, they wore back smooth!!! I was amazed at how better the tires wore!! I bought the other set for my '85 Pete, and then saw they made 'em for the pickups, so..... In talking to them on the phone, they've been great to deal with, and I like their products. I plan on ordering a set for my '03 next month when the budget gets back in shape... ... I ordered the Carli Joints this month... ... :{

Jerry called me from Centramatic to address my concerns, which after talking to him I have no more concerns. He is going to take care of making this right. We spoke about the difficulties I was having. He has heard this from others recently and actually had this issue in his shop on a similar truck. The part number that was sent is correct. There has been some changes in manufacturing that could be contributing to them not fitting the way they should. All's good now. Looks like I will be well cared for.

I'm glad they took care of you!!! Their plant is South of here about two hours, so I get by there 2-3 times a year. They're always willing to visit with you if they can.

Side question, when u guys run these, do you forego the wheel/tire balancing altogether?

Well, Centramatic is mixed on this question. From Centramatic FAQ literature: "In most cases, pre-balancing is not required. However, if a vibration still exists after installation, a computer balance of the problem position can indicate a mis-mounted or defective tire, bent wheel or other "out of round" condition, which balancing alone cannot correct. Wheel bearings should also be checked and defective parts replaced. " I've heard them discuss it in the office, and they don't all agree. Personally, I think you should have them balanced, as if you happen to damage or something happens to your balancer, you can still take it off and put the tire back on with little to no affects on your driving or tire wear. And the less the balancer has to work, the longer it should last, right? And the balancers can only compensate for so much out of balance. I used a set on a 4x4 with TSL Boggers on it, and you couldn't even tell I had done anything. There was just too much tire out of balance. But, most name brand tires don't have that problem, so.....

 

[Prairie Dog]

Jerry called me from Centramatic to address my concerns, which after talking to him I have no more concerns. He is going to take care of making this right. We spoke about the difficulties I was having. He has heard this from others recently and actually had this issue in his shop on a similar truck. The part number that was sent is correct. There has been some changes in manufacturing that could be contributing to them not fitting the way they should. All's good now. Looks like I will be well cared for.

So Rob, did you get it all to fit? I'm having the exact same problem you did and they're sending the spacers.

 

[04blackcherry]

Just got my spacers yesterday. Haven't had time to install them yet. The spacers are aluminum. I still think that the "B"s would fit up front if the indent was larger diameter. With the spacer, I have a feeling that you could make them fit front or back. We will see. I should have time tomorrow to put them on.

 

[JFought]

when i talked to Jerry he said that the spacers make 6 different mounting options.
only 4 without the spacer.
i am on the list, to install when the spacers are readily available.

 

[04blackcherry]

So. Put the centramatics on last night. This is the only way that "I" saw they were going to go on "my" truck. Your results may vary.

On the front I put the spacer first and the "B" on next, with the balancing ring to the wheel side. On the rear I put the balancing ring toward the caliper after removing the 3 little star washers.

I had to grind off the casting seam on the caliper bracket on the right front. The left side was OK. My balancers were part number 300-318.

There was a difference in the drive this morning. I guess it felt like the tracking was better and the "microchop" was less noticeable.

I run 315 BFG AT tires.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Rob, when you installed the fronts did the wheel fit flush or did you have to bolt down the wheel and "bend" the balancers as some have had to?

 

[Barry]

When I bought my Ricksons, I had them shipped to Ft. Worth... even though I live in Florida. Once I had the tires and wheels loaded in the back of the truck, I headed straight for Centramatic in Alvarado. Since my install was not an OEM, James and crew worked until they found the combo that fit.



That was almost 90,000 miles ago... ... ... ... ... . they are great folks.

 

[04blackcherry]

Rob, when you installed the fronts did the wheel fit flush or did you have to bolt down the wheel and "bend" the balancers as some have had to?

I started to do that with the "B" on the front until I realized the recess wasn't a large enough diameter to go around the rotor hub. When I got the spacers, they were just enough to not have to "bend" them to fit.

The "A" balancer will contact the back of the wheel (stock steel) if the balancer is toward the wheel. Then it will bend it backwards when the wheel is bolted on. There is not much clearance from the rotor face to the caliper bracket, and it varies depending on the casting seam. The balancer could get bent back by the wheel into the caliper bracket. You might get away with putting the "A" on front with the balancer toward the wheel then put on the spacer before the wheel goes on. I believe I remember you replacing your stock steel wheels, so you might need to do a little trial and error.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks Rob, that helps. I do have the stock alum. wheels so it may be a bit different. Hopefully the spacers will get here today and I can give it a try.